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Hi Tyler, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Coatimundi rescue at Tiger Creek, Princess Bride live cast mischief, Count Basie Orchestra’s timeless swing, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Wildlife stewardship in action: East Texas sanctuary Tiger Creek recently welcomed Leina and Zeke, two coatimundi surrendered by a private owner, now receiving lifelong care and highlighting risks from the illegal pet trade — learn how they’re cared for.
From campus to global impact: UT Tyler’s Dr. Nael Barakat was elected to a two-year term as secretary on the IEEE Education Society executive board, elevating local leadership in engineering education in East Texas — learn more about his leadership.
Winter chill reshapes fish patterns: January 23’s East Texas Fishing Report noted slow fishing on Lake Tyler, with scattered bass, crappie on deep timber, catfish good shallow on cut shad, and white bass chasing bait — read the full fishing report.
Market trends reshape East Texas: Tyler’s commercial real estate adjusted in 2025, led by strong retail with about 70 spaces for lease and nearly 3.9 million square feet marketed. Offices are upgrading as industrial cooled — read the full market analysis.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Hidden car seat hazards: TxDOT is warning East Texas parents that bulky winter coats can make car seat harnesses too loose, putting kids at risk. Buckle children in snugly, then place the coat over the straps or backward. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle as temperatures can drop quickly. See safer winter car seat tips.
Fresh perspectives in art: UT Tyler’s Meadows Gallery hosts the 41st Annual International Exhibition featuring 30 juried works from across the country. Selected by guest juror Alicia Eggert from 450 entries. A public reception is today at the gallery, presented by the Department of Art and Art History. Get all the exhibition details.
Treasure hunt, local impact: Hangers of Hope makes a quick pop-in feel like a small treasure hunt, with wardrobe staples, quirky home goods, and the occasional wow piece. Every purchase helps fund Bethesda Health Clinic, so you can refresh your space and support neighbors… all in one cart.
Conveyor-belt sushi fix: Skip the same-old takeout and watch plates glide to your seat at Yoshi Revolving Sushi & Noodle, with fresh rolls, nigiri, ramen, and dangerously cute desserts. It’s fun, fast, and shareable, whether you’re wrangling kids or savoring a solo sushi break.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
👑 Princess Bride Live Cast @ Liberty Hall | Friday (2/6) at 7:00 PM – Princess Bride is taking over Liberty Hall with a shadow cast, meaning the movie plays while a live crew acts it out, and you get a prop bag to join the mischief. Quote freely, laugh loudly, as you wish. Tickets at LibertyTyler.com.
💃 Valentine’s Glow Dance @ Glass Recreation Center | Friday (2/6) at 7:00 PM – Valentine’s Glow Dance lights up Glass Rec with a DJ, glow face paint, mini golf, and enough fun to earn lights out without a fight. Pick family, mother and son, or father and daughter sessions, register for $10 online, or $12 at the door.
🎤 Karen Mills @ Rose City Comedy | Friday (2/6) at 7:00 PM – Think you’ve got aging figured out? Karen Mills, the 5’2″ Tennessee spitfire from Dry Bar’s 35-million-views club and the Grand Ole Opry, dishes out sharp, relatable laughs about backs, housekeepers, and explaining TikTok to your mama. Former hoops star, still elite at assists.
❤ Women with Heart Education and Fashion Show @ Tyler’s Broadway Square Mall | Saturday (2/7) at 11:00 AM – Nothing beats a fashion show in Center Court, especially when it backs heart health and an excuse to gather the crew. Expect fresh looks, feel-good vibes, and giveaways, all at Broadway Square. Shop a little, support a lot, then grab coffee and catch up.
🎖 Bets for Vets 2026 @ W. T. Brookshire Conference Center | Saturday (2/7) at 5:00 PM – Pull up to the tables for casino games, eats, and tunes that benefit someone besides the house. Camp V and Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center team up to support East Texas veterans and families, so your bluff funds real programs. Grab tickets, feel smug, do good.
🎨 Beyond the Horizon Date Night Paint and Sip Workshop @ Pinot’s Palette | Saturday (2/7) at 7:00 PM – Cancel the dull dinner and hit this Tyler paint and sip date night instead. You get step-by-step art, a glass in hand, and just enough guidance to keep the horizon straight, even if your last masterpiece was a refrigerator magnet. Cute, relaxed, actually fun.
💃 Parsons Dance @ UT Tyler Cowan | Saturday (2/7) at 7:30 PM – A night at the theater means Parsons Dance in full flight, the athletic, joyous troupe that makes contemporary look effortless. Expect bold ensemble work and the iconic Caught that toys with gravity. Buy tickets, bring someone you like, and feel smug about your taste.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Tyler report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 62°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 62. West wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 43. West wind around 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 74°F – Low: 46°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 74. West wind around 5 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 46.
This house is wild
An updated 5-bed, 4-bath home stands in a family neighborhood with excellent schools. Open living with a fireplace flows to the kitchen. A dedicated office joins a game room with a second fireplace and a versatile Murphy-bed suite. Outside, a pool, hot tub, pergola, fire pit, and greenhouse pair with a new roof, three AC units, and dual two-car garages.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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